Neg HSV Culture....but???

[female26]

i recently had cause to be concerned that i had contracted herpes. However, i felt with my history and the partner i was with that i felt it could not be it. here is some back info: sex on Nov 11, had pain in my vagina, with a bit of blood after sex. Pain was immediate, and was uncomfortable to sit. when pain did not go away after a day or so, i did a self exam with a mirror. at this time i notice one small paper-cut-like cut at the top of the vagina opening and below the urethra opening. And a smaller one on the other side in the same are but a bit lower. doctor was sure that it was herpes. did a visual exam, and a culture, gave me valtrex and the oral med for a yeast infection as well. symptoms were gone 2 days later. And I have had nothing for the last 2 months.

culture test came back negative. good thing right???? well my doctor was surprised at the results and wants to do some follow-up tests. Is it standard to have follow-up tests, which i am guess is a blood test, when a culture is negative. Also, my doctor said that there really is not a blood test for herpes....i am very confused cause everything i seem to read on here a blood test is a must.

any info would be great.

[slacker101]

Culture tests are often false. I understand him wanting to do a followup. Definitely sounds like herpes from what you have described but there is always hope it could be something else.

[gracefromHHP]

Lesion cultures are falsely negative about 70% of the time which is why follow up testing is recommended. If a practioner sees something that is suspicious for herpes but the lesion culture comes back negative then yes following up with a blood test is the best course of action.

There are terrific blood tests for herpes. Your doctor isn't very educated on herpes testing if he thinks there isn't.  If you are still with your partner - they need tested too.

www.herpesdiagnosis.com is a terrific resource to learn more about how to get properly tested for herpes.

grace

[female26]

thanks for your comments. i understad why he wants to do a follow up test.

question, if culture test are so poor for showing a true negative result why do them? they are only good when they are negative?

[gracefromHHP]

when they are positive they are incredibly useful - it's when they are negative that they aren't giving you real answers.

grace

[slacker101]

exactly, it's when it comes back positive that seems to indicate the truth.